Ancient Egypt Skirt

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

Sometimes an outfit comes along that just feels fantastic.  This outfit is one of those for me!  When this Mid-Century Egyptian-themed fabric came up for sale on a FB page, I knew I must have it.  I love to collect vintage Egyptian things, but a lot of times vintage things that are described as "Egyptian" in listings and such don't really look Egyptian.  They usually look kind of Greek or Roman or something, so they don't particularly strike my fancy.  HOWEVER, this fabric is undeniably, obviously Egyptian!  

I bought it to make a skirt, and when it arrived I faced a dilemma.  Instead of the design running lengthwise, parallel with the fabric selvedge edges, it was perpendicular to them.  For you non-sewists, this means instead of just gathering the two yards along one edge and putting it on a waistband, it meant I had to cut the fabric into panels to get the design to go the right way when I wear it.  All that to say... I got it figured out!  I added a pocket and a decorative button, and now this skirt is my favorite in my closet.

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

The other part about this outfit that I'm really in love with is the combination of comfort and feeling expensive. This look is easy to put together and low-maintenance to wear, but it feels high-class.  The thing I'm really proud of?  I thought about how much this outfit actually cost me.  Here's the clothing breakdown:

shirt: $5
necklace: gifted, $0
shoes: $2 at an estate sale
skirt: me-made, we'll say $20
belt: $0.50 at a thrift store
purse: gifted, $0

Total: $27.50!

I'll admit, for this I calculated less on the skirt than it actually cost me.  I paid more for this fabric because it's a vintage novelty print, but if I picked a modern fabric, it wouldn't have been nearly as expensive.  This is a totally doable look for not a lot of money, the best kind of fashion, in my opinion!

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

Flashback Summer: Ancient Egypt Skirt - vintage inspired outfit

Do you guys have outfits that just feel AMAZING every time you wear them?  Do you have a look that feels expensive but was actually a real good deal?

Outfit Details
shirt: F21 or Charlotte Russe, I'm not sure
necklace: I think someone got it at Charming Charlie
belt: thrift store
skirt: me-made
shoes: estate sale
lipstick: F21
purse & ring: gifted

19 comments

  1. This outfit is amazing. Love the length of the skirt. My favourite "expensive" outfits are probably ones that involve my vintage pleated tartan skirts, or my vintage velvet blazer. They were all picked up second hand at bargain prices ($5-10) and are from a vintage Australian label, the quality is fantastic.

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    1. Thanks, Kaitlyn! Ooo, your velvet blazer and tartan skirts sound amazing! The price is even better, too!

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  2. That skirt i amazing, the colours alone look fabulous against the black! You've got a real eye!

    Kariss
    www.shystrangemanic.com

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  3. YES YES YES YES YES YES!!! I totally agree that this outfit is fabulous!! I know what you mean with that feeling when you know you look and feel fabulous ahhaah and I don't blame you! Super super jealous of how amazing this outfit is! That skirt is really beautiful and the colors are just so vibrant.

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    1. And I figure it would be easy to recreate this outfit as a "fabulous formula": black shirt, metallic accessories, bright skirt, bright shoes. There are so many fabrics that could work!

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  4. That fabric is so unique Emileigh, I can definitely see why you love it. I absolutely love those red shoes and that necklace, they really bring out the details in the fabric!
    -Madison
    www.1minniemuse.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you! It's obnoxiously bright fabric, but I like it! I'm kinda picky about which Egyptian themed vintage prints I actually like, and this checked all the boxes!

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  5. Lovely outfit! I love the fabric that you found for the skirt; it really does scream Egyptian. But can we talk about those shoes? They are so fabulous!

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    1. Aren't they?! I got them at the estate sale of an apparently wealthy and stylish (but tiny-footed!) doctor's wife! I bought most of her shoes, but, sadly, not all of them fit me. I kept a couple pairs though, including this one!

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  6. Eeek! I LOVE how this turned out! So happy you got this fabric, I knew it would be perfect for you when I first saw it! I can see why it has become a wardrobe favorite. It looks great paired with the red shoes and simple black top too. :) It's always a huge plus when you can put together an outfit that looks and feels amazing but only cost pennies! Well, pennies compared to what things could cost. ;)
    -Emily

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  7. Wonderful fabric! I wouldn't have been able to pass that print up either, it's awesome! Nothing better than Egyptian revival :)

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  8. Incredibly cool fabric! Had I seen that elsewhere, I would have thought of you instantly. What punchy, fantastic hues. I love what you made out it and how wonderfully colour coordinated this whole awesome outfit is.

    ♥ Jessica

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  9. I am dying over here!! This skirt is perfection!!! And, yes, I totally agree, sometimes items are not Egyptian in style, but more Greek or Roman, and it is annoying.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. I know, right?! Learn your ancient civilizations, people!

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  10. This whole ensemble looks so glamorous, but I must say, your elegant fiery heels caught my eye straight away ~ they are so gorgeous!! What a lovely outfit, and yes, you totally got it at insanely good prices! Nice bargain hunting!! ;) ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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  11. Gosh that was a lot of work then doing the panels? You did a fab job, I just assumed that it was all one piece. Really lovely, classy and timeless look. I would love more circle skirts and am thinking I will attempt making one over the Christmas holidays. It will no doubt be wonky... x

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    1. I'm SO glad it looks like one piece! It was only two panels, but I wanted to make sure the grid-like pattern didn't look weird when I put the two together. Apparently I was successful, hooray!

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  12. You look positively gorgeous in this outfit Emileigh! Everything about it suits your personality perfectly. Love your skirt!

    Blessings,

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer

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